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Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0279.109 2022-2024 P/ council alit X48 COMM.1279 r3 From: Courtney K c_— I Sent: Friday, June 16, 2023 2:54 PM To: Council Testimony ca, :; Subject: Support for Bill 48 Dear Honorable Members of the Hawaii County Council, I am writing to express my strong support for Bill 48, which proposes the creation of the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience (OSCER) in Hawaii County.This bill is a crucial step toward addressing climate change challenges, promoting sustainability, and fostering resilience in our community. The establishment of OSCER signifies a commitment to aligning Hawaii County with pono priorities, practices, and procedures. By coordinating and managing policies that promote sustainability and resilience, OSCER will play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change effects on our beautiful island. This office will serve as a catalyst for positive change, enabling us to make conscious choices benefiting our environment, economy, and social well-being. A key strength of Bill 48 is its focus on equity and environmental justice. It is encouraging to see the bill emphasize the consideration of impacts on lower-and middle-income individuals, historically marginalized groups, and ensuring that the office's programs benefit all county residents.This commitment to inclusivity and fairness is commendable and sets an example for other jurisdictions. Elevating OSCER to the cabinet level is a strategic move, enabling coordinated action internally and externally. By providing the office with necessary authority and resources, we can foster collaboration and synergy among different departments and agencies.This integrated approach is vital for effective policy implementation and achieving meaningful results in sustainability and resilience. Additionally, the proposed Climate Action Revolving Fund is a smart and innovative approach.This fund will support policies and programs aligning with OSCER's objectives while generating cost savings for the county. By reinvesting these savings into new climate action programs, we can create a self-sustaining cycle of progress and ensure our sustainability efforts' long-term success. I appreciate OSCER's thoughtful design, based on the collective impact model. With its emphasis on collaboration, shared metrics, and stakeholder communication, this model has proven successful in achieving transformative change. Adopting this model will enable OSCER to serve as a coordinating and administrative entity, effectively addressing implementation gaps in our sustainability, climate, and resilience plans. In conclusion, I firmly believe that passing Bill 48 and establishing OSCER will position Hawai`i County as a leader in sustainability, climate change adaptation, and community resilience. By taking proactive measures to protect our environment and promote equity, we can inspire other jurisdictions and set an example for responsible and forward- thinking governance. Thank you for supporting Bill 48 in the Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs and in the County budget. I urge your continued support of Bill 48 and recommend its passage to the Hawai'i County Council. Let us embrace this opportunity to safeguard our future, preserve our natural resources, and create a thriving, sustainable community for generations to come. Thank you for your attention to this matter. tic h IV"1 Comm:.{�g `�nUI Ref. To: N 1 Ref. nate JUN 2 1 2023 Courtney Kerr 2